PAWS: Training
Perseverance, Ambition, and the Will to Succeed (PAWS) Training "Test"
Use this "test" to get familiar with the manual and to be prepared to answer basic questions that
PAWS participants may ask. You do not need to write down the answers just have a general understanding of them.
You are getting ready for the first PAWS meeting and you are worried about how you are going to make a connection with a new participant. What are some things you can discuss with them?
Hint: Look at Starting the Conversation on pages 19-20 in the manual.
Why do you have at least two copies of each agreement and checklist?
Hint: Look closely at the agreements and checklists.
What is the folder located in the back of your manual for?
Hint: Read the 4th paragraph on page 21.
It's time for your resident to fill out college applications and complete a Parent Plus or Alternative Loan, what can you give them so they can come prepared to your next meeting?
Hint: Look in the Resident section.
What is the most important site for Financial Aid? What is the most recommended site for scholarships? What is a GREAT site for comparing schools checking their statistics?
Hint: Look in the Table of Contents for Web Resources and scan through them.
Why is confidentiality important?
Hint: Look under the section titled Agreements and read the Mentoring for Post Secondary Education Mentor Agreement.
Name three checklists that are in the manual.
Hint: Look under the section titled Records
You are working with an applicant who is considered a dependent and they did not receive enough Financial Aid from the FAFSA. What are their options?
Hint: There are 3 main options in this case – start looking on page 32 in the manual.
Who should you contact when you have questions regarding financial aid? Who should you contact with questions with regarding Admissions? Who should you contact when you don't know who to contact?
Hint: Look at the Table of Contents under Volunteer Information.
What are the criteria for determining whether an applicant is considered dependent or independent for financial aid?
Hint: Look at the Table of Contents under Financial Aid.
You are working with a participant who wishes to begin school in the upcoming Spring Semester. What should be done first? What options does the student have for funding their education?
Hint: Look at page 31 in the manual.
It's almost time for the FAFSA workshop. How can you help to make sure that your participant is prepared for the meeting?
Hint: Look at page 31 and pages 58-59.
Your participant graduated from high school 3 years ago. Do they need to take the SATs? If they do how can they prepare for the SATs? Can they waive the SAT fee?
Hint: Look at page 27 in the manual.
You have been calling your participant only to find that their phone has been disconnected. What should you do?
Hint: Look at page 76.
What are the steps that need to be taken to correct a defaulted loan? How long can it take? Who needs to be contacted to discuss the options for default?
Hint: Look in the Table of Contents under The Process to find out where to start.
You are sitting down with your participant and trying to decide whether to use paper college applications or to complete them online. What is the best option?
Hint: Look at page 21 in the manual.
Your participant has been accepted to their chosen school. What else needs done?
Hint: Look at page 47 and pages 89-92.
What are some financial resources for Low Income College Applicants?
Hint: Look at the Quick Reference for Low Income College Applicants—use the Table of Contents to find the page number.
You are working with a single mother who is considering pursuing post secondary education but is scared that they cannot afford to go to school and is also concerned that they will loose their current welfare benefits. What do you tell her?
Hint: read the first resident mailing pages 52-55 and pay special attention to pages 53 and 54. Also, take a look at page 29.
